CNC Programmer Lead

CNC Programmer Lead – MA

Department: Machine Shop
Reports To: Production Manager

Location: On‑Site - Clinton, MA
Travel: Negligible

FLSA: Salaried, Full‑Time, Exempt
Revision Date: April 2025

How we communicate, capture, and share information has not changed significantly in our lifetime—it has changed significantly in the last decade, even in the last year. From a vacationer checking email as they fly across the world to a U.S. military service member sharing critical observations across the battlefield, the ability to capture and transfer data over different platforms is an important part both of our everyday lives and the security of our country.

Whether on a geostationary satellite, a naval vessel, or a military jet, the mission‑critical solutions that we design and manufacture at Vitesse make our country and our world safer.

Through extensive technical expertise, Vitesse Systems optimizes the functionality of antenna and thermal management systems for the advancement of next‑generation Radar, Electronic Warfare, and C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) systems.

Vitesse Systems prides itself on the solutions we provide to our customers, as well as the incredible team of dedicated people we employ.

The CNC Programmer Lead directs and is responsible for the programming, setup and operation of 2, 3 and 4 axis CNC machines; as well as part inspection in a prototype and job shop environment. The programmer shall manage schedules; workflow from priorities set by production management. Commitment to and support of the Company Core Values are key to success in this position.

• Utilize software applications such as Master
  
  CAM and DNC systems to support programming and machining operations.
• Plan, estimate, and report on machining projects.
• Evaluate, acquire, and secure tooling tailored to specific job requirements, factoring in material properties, geometric features, tolerances, equipment capabilities, and system rigidity.
• Independently set up, program, operate, and troubleshoot CNC Lathes and Mills.
• Oversee machine shop organization, safety, and maintenance.
• Determine starting stock requirements for costing and procurement, factoring in yield and scrap.
• Create setup sheets for part programs and discrete operations.
• Implement process improvements to reduce setup and machining times.
• Inspect completed work for accuracy using tools like calipers, height gauges, and micrometers.
• Mentor machinists on programming methods and best practices.
• Validate machining programs through simulations, dry runs, and prove‑out processes.
• Monitor and maintain cycle times and ERP performance metrics.
• Track task completion times and labor distribution for financial reporting.
• Record job progress and quantities in ERP software.
• Ensure adherence to quality policies and procedures in all tasks.
• Oversee and ensure first pass yield on New Product Introduction (NPI) jobs meet established performance metrics.
• Provide guidance to engineering teams on selecting work holding solutions that support poka‑yoke (error‑proofing) processes and ensure operational efficiency.
• Other duties as assigned.

This position is a lead but no direct supervisory responsibilities.

• Excellent attention to detail.
• Prior experience with CNC Machining & Programming thereof.
• Prior experience programming Master
  
  CAM software or comparable.
• Able to read & interpret blueprints and technical drawings including GD&T.
• Sufficient knowledge of the tools, equipment, materials, methods, and standard practices of the trade.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Must be adaptable to a changing work environment and competing demands.
• Ability to measure with CMM, vernier calipers, micrometers and height gauges.
• Must be capable of working with minimal supervision.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be constantly required to execute standard physical activities within the facility areas (i.e. stand, walk, sit, use hands/fingers).
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be…